Farewell Paul, the Leader of the Band

This is a loving tribute to the leader of the band, The Reclamation, our hero, Paul.

In the beginning of his career, he was a folk singer doing the small venues and coffee houses. It was in one of his tours in Turkey that he came to meet Barnabas and Silas. These two had done alright for themselves with their poetry readings, guitars and smooth vocals, but they took Paul in because his lyrics were simply earth moving! Paul’s presence was so dynamic that he ended up becoming the front man for the band. A little later, they met with young Timothy who was great with the keyboard, and the chemistry was undeniable. Paul took Timothy under his wing and soon regarded him as a son.

Paul was tall, slender, had short cropped hair, and a powerful voice. Barnabas was a muscular guitar player who wore bandanas and had a twinkle in his eyes. Contrast that with Silas, who had long, blond hair and a tender voice, which could melt butter! Then, there was Timothy, who had the dark piercing eyes and jet black shoulder length hair. It was very clear to see why the fans took to this group easily!

They traveled to several places and when they appeared on the Ed Suntan Show, it took no time before they were a household name. Within very little time, The Reclamation became an overnight sensation! From East to West, they performed to packed houses. Their music spoke to all kinds of people, the alienated, and the outcasts, to the apostles and the martyrs (sinners and saints alike.)

THE MAN

In early interviews, Paul was known to say that what motivated him, simply put, was love. He was fueled by love!

Paul's writings reflected his beliefs and absolute confidence. He spoke with boldness and trust. One of his quotes is “Love is not envious, love is kind, love is not boastful.” He generally wrote songs about current events, about guarding our hearts and mostly about Christian love. Although he was stubborn, Paul was a man led by his strong spiritual convictions. This is why his lyrics showed him to be a caring and insightful leader. He could be direct and say hard things when he needed to, but he preferred to encourage others.

Despite the hectic schedules of concert dates and the inevitable drain on his energy, Paul never showed any signs of flagging and was able to maintain the strong vitality in his messages and songs.

He had suffered for a few years with an ailment that he referred to as “A thorn in his flesh” He never really told the world what this affliction was, it just seemed something that threatened to slow him down. He was not about to let this malady stop him from pursuing his career, or delivering his music or his message. Paul was inspirational as well as adaptable; he rolled with the punches and found a way around obstacles. His writings began as a way of coping with problems he could not resolve in person. While The Reclamation was in Greece, Paul befriended Apollo, Priscilla and Aquila, a folk singing trio that was just starting out. After listening to what he had to say, the quality of their lives gradually changed and it showed in their music. We all know the popular group, APPA, well, we have Paul to thank for that!

The music not only was memorable and catchy enough for the charts but also had an awesome subject matter and a depth of intensity and feeling that has lasted long after the fads have all been forgotten. The generally high quality of their songs and the fact people are STILL listening even years later is testimony of their durability!

Their first album, ‘LET PEACE RULE’ released two top 10 hit singles: ‘Firmly Grounded’ and the very upbeat ‘Source of Joy’. The message in this ground-breaking album was very clear; to be happy in whatever state you are in.

They had great success with their second album. ‘WHOLE ARMOR’ had its origins when the band found that their lives were in danger! A riot broke out while touring in Thessaloniki that winter, where they played a few sets but decided it was best that they leave quickly!! They traveled on. This was inspiration for Paul as he penned the lyrics to yet another great hit entitled ‘Blessed Assurance’. In this awe inspiring, and stirring song, the message tells us not to sorrow as those without hope. We lose loved ones, but Paul's strong beliefs assure us we will be reunited with them again. He tells us, “Comfort one another with these words”. Silas took lead with this song.

Sila's stirring vocals really put a lot of emphasis on God's love for us. Clearly, Silas was on board with the whole concept as he put his heart into this message. ‘WHOLE ARMOR’ also had another breakout hit song: ‘Reformation’, that was written when they had traveled to Crete. The message in that song was for people to live rightly, sober and godly in this present age. This turned out to be a classic! This album proved to be stronger than their first album...possibly because of all the adrenalin that was flowing! What a rush!

Paul had a difficult time, emotionally and physically, when they were in Turkey. Thank goodness for the loving support and encouragement of his close friends, Timothy and Silas. They both had great faith in the Gospels as each proved to be godly men and had great faith in their mission. Timothy also showed a boundless enthusiasm. He learned quickly from his mentor and he began writing some songs as well.

On their second tour in Ephesus, they put together their third and final album ‘WISE UP’. Timothy collaborated with the writing on this venture and Silas took lead in most of the vocals. This album displayed that they were still at the top of their popularity at the time of their break-up. Barnabas was trying to branch out on his own and because Paul was, by this time, so very sick, he could not continue with any more tours. He was aware that this was to be his swan song so they strived to make this their finest album to date.

Released late that following summer, 'WISE UP' stormed up the charts and was met with well deserved acclaim. This was arguably their best effort and it garnered them three top 40 hits: The hopeful ‘Chief Cornerstone’, the lamenting, ‘A Worthy Life’ and the very riveting, ‘Spirit's Fire’.

Silas and Timothy's devotion was medicine for Paul's failing health. He needed to guard his heart against external influences that would threaten anyone's faith. Paul was fortunate indeed, that during a difficult time in his life, he was surrounded by people who loved and understood him. In all their travels and trials, they had a very close working relationship. The world may have lost a wonderful warrior but his legacy will live on in his writings.

Apollo, Priscilla and Aquila even paid tribute to Paul in some of their songs. Timothy continued writing songs in the same vein as Paul had done. Most of Timothy's later efforts were quiet ballads, but they were rich in the theme that we should always be joyful, always pray continually, and give thanks to God in all circumstances.

Paul's tombstone sums it all... “I have finished the Race, I have kept The Faith. Finally, there is laid up for me The Crown of Righteousness”. 2 Tim 4:7-8